What is the reality of intention (niyyah) in acts of worship, and is a mere heartfelt resolve sufficient for it without uttering it aloud? Does this necessitate specifying the time of prayer?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The intention for prayer is made at its beginning, and it must specify the prayer (e.g., Dhuhr or Asr) in the heart, not verbally. A person does not perform any act without an intention; thus, in acts of worship, intention distinguishes them from habits. For example, a ritual bath () for major impurity requires intention to differentiate it from a bath taken for cooling. Similarly, intention distinguishes between similar acts of worship, such as differentiating a obligatory prayer (fard) from a supererogatory one (nafl), or Dhuhr from Asr.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 76835
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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